Mariah Carey has been back on the radio for at least a week, so we figure it’s time to find the gold pipecleaners and warm up the old seasonal programming.

We’ve hooked up with Christmas film and TV historian Joanna Wilson to bring you clips from some deeply weird, almost entirely forgotten Christmas Specials.

If you have any suggestions for our big “Mostly Christmas” show (Especially  if you know of some seasonal holiday films or TV that aren’t Christmas!!) please email us at vodvilleEV@gmail.com

Here’s Joanna!

The 1960s was the golden age of Christmas animation on television. However, the two decades following inspired animators to produce unforgettable Christmas entertainment that is often overlooked and undervalued. Here are five examples from the 1970s-80s of underappreciated Christmas animation. 

My name is Joanna Wilson and I curated this list. I’m a TV and film historian, specializing in Christmas entertainment, and the author of the book “Tis the Season TV: The Encyclopedia of Christmas Episodes, Specials and Movies,” 2nd edition—coming in 2026 by 1701 Press. 

Instagram: @TistheSeasonTV. 

christmastvhistory.com 

[she has some neat books here, and we’re not being paid to say this!! -EVV]

The Snowman (1982) 

Adapted from the book by Raymond Briggs, this British-made story about a snowman that comes to life has charmed viewers around the world. The subtle pastel colors and charming characters are accompanied by a haunting melody “Walking in the Air,” performed by choirboy Peter Auty and the Sinfonia of London. 

George and the Christmas Star (1985) 

Academy award-nominated creator Gerald Potterton both wrote and directed this sciencefiction tale. The adorable story is about George who builds himself a rocket ship to go into space in pursuit of the perfect star for the top of his Christmas tree. Potterton’s distinctive imagery and imaginative storytelling raises this Christmas TV special above most others. 

A Very Merry Cricket (1973) 

In this story, a cat and mouse recruit their friend Chester C. Cricket to make his special music to cut through the chaotic noise and distractions at Christmas time in the city. This TV special offers a challenge to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a welcome solution of pleasant melodies from nature. This story is adapted from the book “A Cricket in Times Square” by George Selden and brought to life by master animator Chuck Jones, who also crafted the 1966 cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” 

The Gift of Winter (1974) 

This animated program features a one-of-a-kind visual style and character design with an inspiring story. A group of townsfolk unhappy with the cold and wind of the season, organize their protest to the bureaucratic head, the Minister of Winter. The politician is so moved by their appeal, he begins to cry, creating snowflakes—a fun and acceptable addition to the wintry weather. This cult classic evokes the familiar 1970s zeitgeist of political movements and people coming together to work towards a solution to systemic problems. 

A Cosmic Christmas (1977) 

Another science-fiction story, this one sees a young boy Peter and his pet goose Lucy greet three aliens from another planet at the holidays. The visitors ask about the meaning of Christmas but Peter struggles to show them examples of love, peace, generosity, and goodwill in the city as he described them. This TV special was an early creation of Nelvana, the same company who created the animated segment in 1978’s infamous “Star Wars Holiday Special.” 

Bonus Video: Jingle Bell Rocks (2013) 

Vancouver documentary filmmaker Mitchell Kezin created a feature-length live-action movie about the joy of Christmas record collecting. Kezin’s seminal film includes interviews with celebrity collectors, like filmmaker John Waters and journalist/publicist Bill Adler, and also features artists who have created Christmas music, such as Wayne Coyne, of the band the Flaming Lips, and jazz musician Bob Dorough who worked with Miles Davis. More importantly, Kezin’s film drew Christmas music collectors together from around the world, including myself. Friend Mitchell Kezin passed away in 2024 and I wanted to share a brief clip from the beginning of his film of him shopping for Christmas records, engaged in the passion of collecting, an activity all Christmas record collectors know and enjoy. Rock on, Mitchell.